Rolex - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1987
    Reference No: 18038, inside caseback stamped “18000”
    Movement No: 0’676’446
    Case No: R221’221
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped “55”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed clasp stamped “8385” and “L2”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, crystal, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Japan service invoice dated 16th June 2024, service card and 3 service quotations.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present yellow gold Day-Date ref. 18038 is a shining example of Rolex's expertise. Its sleek 36mm case retains the iconic profile of the collection, while the pavé yellow diamond-set dial adds a touch of sophistication befitting the moniker “President”. While most examples on the market feature pavé-set diamonds, the yellow diamonds beautifully complement the warm yellow gold case, which has been well preserved over time. The sapphire indexes at 6 and 9 o’clock further add a special touch with a nice contrast.

    In attractive overall condition, this dazzling Day-Date from circa 1987 is accompanied by a Rolex Japan service invoice from June 2024. Recently overhauled and offered by a prominent Japanese collector, it gives collectors a chance to own an emblem of luxury, prestige and innovation.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 18038, inside caseback stamped “18000”
A well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, pavé yellow diamond-set dial with sapphire-set indexes and bracelet

Circa 1987
36mm diameter
Case, crystal, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€27,800-46,400
$30,800-51,300

Sold for HK$558,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November